Tesla has filed a patent application for laser beams that take over the function of windshield wipers. That has now been honored. With laser beams, windows can be cleared of water and dirt better than with conventional wipers.
Windshield wipers sometimes have a tendency to smear dirt over the windshield instead of effectively wiping it away. In addition, they still work according to an ancient principle and over the years not really much improvement has been made. According to Tesla, it is time for a change and the wipers will one day be replaced by lasers. They would be better able to clean and keep windows clean.
The patent application that has now been approved dates back to May 10, 2019 and describes a system whereby ‘dirt detection circuits’ can determine whether dirt has accumulated. Based on how much dirt is detected and where it is located, the jet is specifically aimed at the problem area. In addition, laser pulses must burn away the dirt, without really penetrating the glass surface and causing damage to the occupants or sensitive electronics.
It is not known when Tesla plans to apply the system. The technology can’t just be useful for windows. It may also be possible to keep things such as cameras and sensors clean. This will become more important as cars gain far-reaching autonomous capabilities.